When you are pregnant, the foods that you eat are used by your body to keep you and your baby healthy. To ensure that you meet the nutritional needs of you and your baby, your doctor will likely recommend a prenatal vitamin, which will include essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium.
Why Take Prenatal Vitamins With Magnesium?
Prenatal vitamins are designed to fill in the gaps in your nutrition during your pregnancy. They also contain higher amounts of folic acid, calcium and iron than standard adult multivitamins, according to MayoClinic.com. This helps the development of your baby and prevents neural tube defects, anemia and lowers the risk of your baby having a low birth weight. Prenatal vitamins include some or all of the essential vitamins and minerals, which include vitamins A, C, D, E, K, the B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. Magnesium is added to help keep your blood pressure from rising too high during pregnancy.
Magnesium and Body Function
Magnesium has many different functions in your body. These include the production of proteins used in the various tissues of your body and the production of energy that is used by your cells. Magnesium is also used by enzymes in your body and it is essential in the contraction and relaxation of your muscles. It also supports the health of your heart and blood vessels, which can prevent the development of heart disease and hypertension.
Importance of a Balanced Diet and Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins and multivitamins are not intended to replace the nutrients in food. The best way for your body to absorb nutrients is from real food. A balanced diet will supply you with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals that your body needs to avoid deficiency symptoms. Vegetables, nuts, whole grains and legumes are great sources of magnesium and they should be included in a balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean meats, some dairy products and water. Even if you eat a diet that is rich in these foods, your prenatal vitamin will ensure that you have enough to support the proper development of your baby.
Magnesium and Preeclampsia
According to Oregon State University, preeclampsia is a disease that can develop anytime after the 20th week of pregnancy. It results in elevated blood pressure, protein in your urine and severe swelling. If untreated, this condition can lead to maternal death. Magnesium is thought to relax your blood vessels and increase blood flow to your brain. Therefore, magnesium is used as the treatment of choice in preventing seizures that result from preeclampsia. A prenatal vitamin that supplies the RDA of magnesium will help keep your levels in the ideal range and may help prevent these symptoms.
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